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1.4: Conclusion, Glossary, References

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    Conclusion

    Our capacity to communicate through systems of language differentiates us from other species, but the use of that language to communicate effectively is actually harder than anticipated, particularly in front of an audience. Fortunately, by reading this book, you can learn the skills required to communicate more effectively one-on-one and in a speaking situation.

    The speeches you present will be given in a particular context. In your role as communicator, you will encode and deliver a message, which will then be decoded by audience members (also communicators). At the same time you are speaking, you will be receiving verbal and nonverbal feedback from the audience. The way that the message is decoded will depend entirely on the amount of noise interfering with the message as well as the worldviews of audience members.

    Every new speaker should work to become skilled at the eleven core public speaking competencies. These competencies include: selecting a useful topic, writing an engaging introduction, organizing the points of the speech, finding effective supporting materials for the points, adding a conclusion that provides closure, using clear and vivid language, making sure that one’s vocal expression corresponds to the goals of the speech, using nonverbals that complement the message, adapting the message to one’s audience, using visual aids effectively, and using credible evidence and sound reasoning in persuasive messages. Each one of the competencies just listed is covered in depth in one or more chapters in this book.

    The authors of this textbook hope that readers will find the chapters useful in developing their own communication competence. Whether you are new to giving presentations, or a more experienced speaker, it is important to remember that the best way to improve your public speaking skills is through preparation and practice. Although it may take time to learn effective speaking skills, the effort is well worth the benefits you will reap in your personal, professional, and public life.

    Review Questions and Activities

    1. What are the personal, professional and public benefits of enhancing your public speaking skills?
    2. What is the difference between the linear and transactional model of communication?
    3. Define and give an original example of each of the elements of the communication process.
    4. Which of the elements of the communication process do you think has the greatest impact on the way a message is interpreted? Explain

    Glossary

    Abstract Word
    Words that refer to ideas or concepts that are removed from material reality.
    Channel
    The means through which the message travels.
    Communicator
    The people in the interaction or speech setting who encode and decode messages simultaneously.
    Concrete Word
    A word that describes a tangible object that can be perceived through the senses.
    Context
    The communication rules that govern different physical settings and/or different types of relationships.
    Cultural Noise
    Differences in worldview that cause message interference.
    Decoding
    The process of listening to words and interpreting the words so they are associated with a mental image.
    Encoding
    The process of taking a mental image, associating the image with words, and then speaking those words.
    Listening
    The psychological process of interpreting and making sense of the messages we receive.
    Message
    The words, nonverbal behavior, or other signals transmitted from one person to another.
    Noise
    Anything that interferes with the message transmission or the encoding and decoding processes.
    Nonverbal Behavior
    All of the messages we send — except for the words we say. Can include appearance, eye behavior, kinesics (body movement), proxemics (use of space), touch, time, and smell.
    Norms
    The verbal and nonverbal rules (usually unspoken) that govern communicative behavior.
    Psychological Noise
    Message interference that results from disturbed or excited mental states.
    Physiological Noise
    Message interference that results from bodily discomfort.
    Physical Noise
    Message interference that results when the noise level (as measured in decibels) makes it difficult to hear a message.
    Public Speaking
    The act of delivering a speech in front of a live audience.
    Worldview
    The overall framework through which an individual sees, thinks about, and interprets the world and interacts with it.

    References

    • Aras, K. (2012). The nuts and bolts of public speaking: Practical tools for powerful presentations. Retrieved from www.thecommunicationfactory.com/seminars/skills/PublicSpeaking.php
    • Barnlund, D. C. (2008). A transactional model of communication. In. C. D. Mortensen (Eds.),
    • Communication theory (2nd Ed), pp. 47-57. New Brunswick, New Jersey: Transaction.
    • Farrell, R. (2011). Soft skills all great leaders should have. CareerBuilder.
    • www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-2335-Leadership-Management-Soft-skills-all-great-leaders- should-have/
    • History.com. (2012). The Kennedy- Nixon Debates. History.com. Retrieved from
    • http://www.history.com/topics/kennedy-nixon-debates
    • Koncz, A. and Allen, C. (2012). Employers look for communication skills, ability to work in a team in new college grads. www.naceweb.org/pressreleases/.
    • McKay, J. (2005). Employers complain about communication skills. Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
    • Rhodes, T. (Ed.) (2010). Assessing outcomes and improving achievement: Tips and tools for using rubrics.
    • Washington D. C.: Association of American Colleges and Universities.
    • Rockler-Gladen, N. (2009, March 21). Job skills that every college student needs: Writing, speaking, professionalism, and other important knowledge. Suite 101.com. Retrieved from studyskills.suite101.com/article.cfm/job_skills_that_every_college student_needs
    • Schreiber, L., Paul, G. & Shibley, L. R. (2012). The development and test of the Public Speaking Competence Rubric. Communication Education, 61 (3), 205 – 233.
    • Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The mathematical theory of communication. Urbana: University of Illinois Press
    • U.S. Department of Labor (2000). Skills and tasks for jobs: A SCANS report for America 2000. The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. Washington, D.C.
    • Photo Credits
    • p. 5 The Kennedy / Nixon Debate 1960 en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Kenned y_Nixon_Debate_(1960).jpg By the National Park Service
    • p. 6 FEMA worker talking to woman upload.wikimedia.org/Wikipedia/co mmons/1/17/FEMA_-_32747_-
    • _FEMA_Community_Relations_worker_talking_to_a_Ohio_resident.jpg Ficara / FEMA
    • p. 6 Superfans http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi..._Superfans.jpg By HMJD02

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